The Cronulla Sharks have confirmed one of their players was being tested COVID-19, with another being sent home from training displaying symptoms of the virus.
The news comes after as the NRL on Friday revealed a fan shutout that will commence from round two onwards to stop the spread of the global outbreak.
"The Sharks can report it was recommended that two players be isolated from training and the main player group today due to them experiencing flu-like symptoms," a club statement said.
"Sharks Doctor Paul Annett is monitoring the situation and further information will be relayed should it be necessary, however while one player has been tested for COVID-19 as a precaution, neither has travelled or been in contact with anyone who has travelled to COVID-19 affected areas, are low risk and there is no suggestion they have contracted the virus.
"Following the advice of the Doctor and in line with NRL and health authority protocols, the two players were separated from the group, which would be normal practice in the instance of any player illness."
With the Sharks set to face the Rabbitohs on Saturday night, the club and NRL will be sweating on test results amid the potential threat of the virus spreading within the competition.
The news broke just a few hours after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed all fixtures from round two onwards would be played behind closed doors as the Australian public braces for the increasing spread of the virus.
"In round two, when we get into the second week of our competition, our games will continue to proceed as planned albeit our stadiums will be closed to fans," Greenberg told media on Friday.
"We continue to remind people who want to come to the football this weekend that if you are feeling symptoms of flu and coronavirus to stay home and stay away from those events.
“We can’t put a timeframe on [on how long the fan lockout will last], nor can the government. This decision will be dictated by the government and we will take their advice all the way through.
Greenberg's announcement came in direct response to a national ban implemented by the Australian Government on major public events beyond this weekend.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, officially advised against non-essential public gatherings of 500 people or more.
"There will be many issues to work through between now and Monday as we get the precise advice about the implementation of that advice to Australians around the country," Morrison said.
"We will be meeting again on Sunday to consider that further advice on the implementation of those arrangements, and we will provide further advice at that point once those recommendations have been considered."
The NRL is the latest major sporting body to lockdown amid the global outbreak, after the Australian Grand Prix was also canceled on Friday morning.
It followed announcements from the NBA and NHL that their seasons would be suspended indefinitely.